September 2025 has gone down as the strongest month ever for battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales in the UK. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), more than 72,000 new BEVs were registered, making up 23.3% of the total car market. That’s a 29% increase compared to the same month last year, when 56,000 BEVs were sold — a clear sign that electric cars are moving into the mainstream.
The surge has been driven in part by the government’s £650 million Electric Car Grant scheme, which offers discounts of up to £3,750 on 36 different models. Since its launch earlier this summer, more than 20,000 drivers have already taken advantage of the grant, helping to make EVs more affordable and accessible. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the discounts have “sparked a surge in electric car sales, making them cheaper and within reach of more households than ever before.”
It wasn’t just BEVs that saw strong growth. Overall, 312,887 new vehicles were registered in September, with more than half being electrified models — either hybrid or fully electric. That represents a 14% rise compared to last year and marks the best September performance since 2020. Manufacturers are working toward the government’s target that 28% of vehicles sold this year must be electric, though the mandate was relaxed earlier in the year to include hybrids as well as battery‑only cars.
Industry leaders welcomed the figures but stressed that more needs to be done to sustain momentum. Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, said electrified vehicles are “powering market growth after a sluggish summer” and that record uptake shows massive industry investment is paying off. He added that while the Electric Car Grant is breaking down barriers, tackling infrastructure challenges and reducing energy costs will be crucial for long‑term success.
Colin Walker from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit noted that demand is now ahead of where it needs to be to hit this year’s targets, meaning the UK could achieve its EV sales goals for the second year running. He also highlighted the financial benefits for drivers, who are saving hundreds of pounds each year by switching to electric.
With record sales, strong government incentives, and growing consumer confidence, September 2025 marks a turning point for the UK’s electric car market. The combination of policy support, industry investment, and an ever‑wider choice of models is helping more households make the switch — and proving that the future of driving is electric.
